Fuse-containing switch



March 1, 1932. CIQTTA I I 1,847,172

FUSE CONTAINING SWITCH Filed July 6, 1929 2 Sheds-Sheet 1 J. CIOTTA FUSE CONTAINING SWITCH March 1, 1932..

Filed July 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Mar. 1, 1932 Y PATENT OFFIQE JOHN GIO'ITA, 01' NEW YORK, 11'. Y.

FUSE-CONTAINING SWITCH Application filed July 0,

This invention relates to switch plugs containing fuses or fusible elements especially that type of switch insertable and removable with respect to electrical outlets as custom- 6 aril used in trade.

henever electricity is wired into a building, for example, the current isled in from the outside wires to a central point from which the current is tapped off into the various locations desired, suitable outlets being provided 'as well-known. For safety it is necessary to provide fuses in the circuits for the usual urposes. These fuses are generally located at the above-mentioned central point where the current is led into the building and of course include a fusible element which blows or melts under unusual flow of current thus interrupting or breaking the circuit and minimizing the destructive effect of the increased current.

When a fuse blows it is necessary to go to that central point, experiment to determine which fuse has blown, and then remove the blown fuse and insert a new one of suitable capacity. This often means great inconvenience and loss due to fumbling in the dark and trying to locate the proper fuse and hence confusion and often accident.

The present invention does away with all such and provides each plug or socket with its own fuses. When a certain light goes out it is immediately apparent which fuse must be replaced and loss of the entire illumination and consequent embarrassment or accident need not occur. It is not necessary to go to the main inlet point nor to fumble around in the dark, nor is it necessary to determine by trial and error which is theoffending fuse. The fuses may be small and inexpensive and very readily inserted and removed. Only slight changes are required in the plug or socket which are far outweighed by theconvenience and effectiveness of the device. These and other objects and advantages will be apparent as the description proceeds or will be hereinafter pointed out.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawingswherein:

Figure 1 is a view partly in elevation and partly in section of the elements going to 1929. Serial No. 878,465.

make up an assembly of the invention as used in one form thereof;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the form of plug or socket used in the assembly of Figure l;

Figure Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of one of the fuses; I

Figure 5 is a section on the line 5-5 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the fusible element per se;

Figure 7 is an elevation of one half of a modified form of the invention;

Figure 8 is a section on the line 88 of Figure 7 Figure 9 is another form of the invention similar to Figure 1;

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 7 of another modified form;

Figure 11 is asection on the line 11-11 of Figure 10;

Figure 12'is a plan view of a further modification;

Figure 13 is an elevation of Figure 12 ready for use;

3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Figure 14 is a'botttom view of the modification of Figures 12 and 13;

Figure 15 is a vertical elevation of one half of still another modification;

Figure 16 is a section on the line 1616v v of Figure 15; and

Figure 17 is an elevation of a still further form of plug in which the present invention is embodied. I

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings in detail 1 represents a portion of an outlet or outlet box which is provided with spring contacts 2 suitably arranged in the outlet and covered by a plate 3 secured to the, outlet and having apertures 4 over the contacts whereby prongs I 5 of socket 6 may enter the outlet. Contacts 2 are connected with the source of current. This construction, together with the arrangement of spring contacts 7 in socket 6 so that plug 8 with prongs 9 may enter and convey the current through wire 10 to the electrical device (not shown) to be used, is all wellknown and no novelty or invention in such features per se is laid claim to.

It will be seen, however, that socket 6, or analogous members in other instances, is provided with transverse openings or apertures 11 which are generally nearer the bottom than the top of the socket and that the conducting material extending from the contacts 7 to the prongs is interrupted opposite the apertures. In these apertures are fuses 12, the construction of which will be apparent from the drawings, particularly from F igures 4, 5, and 6, and from the following explanation.

Each fuse 12 is generally flat and rectangular with shoulders wider than the aperture in socket 6 so as to act as stops. The outer end tapers forming a grip which may be knurled. The fuse body is non-conducting, such as porcelain or the like, and has an aperture 13 therethrough. Covering said aperture on each side and suitably embedded or secured to the fuse body is a conducting plate 14 of suitable metal and diagonally traversing the aperture 13 is a fusible strip or element 15 having its opposite ends wedged under the conducting plates 14 as shown. The fusible element may be of any suitable material already known for such use and may have a constricted middle 16 to increase its sensitivity or responsiveness.

The fuse may have a tapered portion 17 on each side to facilitate insertion into the socket 6 and especially into the interrupted conductors where the latter are provided with spring metal. It is clear from a consideration of Figures 1 to 6 inclusive that fuses 12 are insertable and removable transversely into and from socket 6' and that conducting plates 14 electrically connected through fusible element 15 complete theinterrupted circuit or conductors by making metallic contact therewith. When a fuse blows, element 16 melts and interrupts the circuit and the particular light or electrical device lacks current thus not only indicating the particular faulty fuse but saving the light or device. It is a simple and definite task to remove the offending fuse and insert a new one in a moments time with little trouble and expense.

In Figures 7 and 8, plug 18 has interrupted conductors 19 terminating in prongs 20*. Current is supplied via wire 20 in conventional manner. Fuses 21 function electrically similarly to fuses 12 but in this instance cartridge fuses are used. A two-part plug is used, the halves being bolted together by a nut and bolt assembly 22. In this instance when a fuse blows it is necessary to take the socket apart to replace the fuse but this is both'simple and quick as will be observed.

Figure 9 shows a plug 23 similar to plug 18 but adapted for other purposes where plug 18 would not be as suitable and convenient. This plug has elements by now familiar to us and requiring no particular discussion other than the fact that it is provided with fuses 12 in the manner of the socket 6 of Figure 1.

igures 10 and 11 show the invention applied to a conventional lamp socket or receptacle 24 which needs no introduction. The conductors 25 and prongs 26 are interrupted for the insertion of fuses 12 and in this case spring clips 27 receive the fuses in detachable position. The operation is clear.

The modification of Figures 12, 13, and 14 provide a particularly advantageous and accessible form of the invention. The plug 28 with lead-in wire 29 and contact prongs 30 is provided with recesses 31 for the reception of diametrically opposite fuses 32 of suitable form and size receivable between spring clips 33 thereby completing the interrupted circuit in conductors 34.

Figures 15 and 16 show a further adaptation of the invention in the type where the switch plug 35 has a handle 36 secured thereto provided with a hole 37 for the passage of lead-in wire 38 supplying current to conductors 89 and prongs 40 interrupted, however, but normally bridged by fuses 41. These fuses are of the common screw-in type but may be made of smaller size if necessary and of proper capacity. These fuses can be readily unscrewed and a new fuse inserted in its place. Prongs 40 have offset upper ends 42 contacting with the metallic threaded portion 43 of fuses 41, the fusible element 44 having one end in contact With thread 43 and the other with the lower end of conductors 39.

The modification of Figure 17 shows a still further type of switch 45 having conductors 46 interrupted but normally bridged by fuses 12.

The above is intended to be more illustrative than limitative so that I do not limit myself except as contained in the subjoined claims. Many modifications other than those particularly shown are within the scope and spirit of my invention. Any type of socket, receptacle, outlet, or plug can be adapted to the invention by suitablyinterrupting the conductors and normally bridging them by fuses of appropriate size, capacity, and design. The fuse may be varied considerably but is an easily insertable and removable one making proper contact when in place to allow normal passage of current but which readily blows under abnormal conditions either existing temporarily or permanently. The invention may be used any kind of electrical illuminating or other device, such as electric toasters, gridles, irons, stoves, etc., and with any strength current by appropriate choice of switch'and fuse.

Having thus described my invention and in connection with a illustrated its use, what I claim as new anddesire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is: 4

1. An insulating switch casing, interrupted conductors in said switch casing, transverse passageways-in said switch casing at the interrupted point of said conductors and giving access thereto, substantially flat fuses slidably insertable and removable in said passageways to bridge the conductors normally when in inserted position, and means for holding said fuses detachably in said inserted position. 1

2. An insulating switch casing, interrupted conductors in said switch casing, transverse passageways in said switch casing at the interrupted point of said conductors and giving access thereto, fuses insertable and removable to bridge the conductors normally when in inserted position, and means for holding said fuses detachably in said inserted position, said fuses comprising a fusible element, an insulating carrier body portion for said fusible element and having an aperture therethrough, a conductor plate on each side of said aperture enclosing the same and said fusible element normally connecting said conductor plates but adapted to blow under abnormal electrical conditions.

3. A divided plug, interrupted-conductors therein, an electrical connection with the upper ends of said conductors, electrical contact means associated with the lower ends of said conductors, transverse openings in said plug opposite said interruptions, and substant ally flat, slidable'transverse fuses in said openings normally bridging said conductors and adapted to break the connection under abnormal electrical conditions.

4. An insulating switch casing, interrupted conductors in said switch casing, transverse passageways in said switch casing at the interrupted point of said conductors and giving access thereto, fuses insertable and removable to bridge the conductors normally when in inserted position, and means for holding said fuses detachably in said inserted position,

said fuses comprising a fusible element, an insulating carrier body portion for said fusible element and having an aperture therethrough, a conductor plate on each side of said aperture enclosing the same, said fusible element normally connecting said conductor plates but adapted to blow under abnormal electrical conditions, and said plates being removable and adapted to impinge the ends of said fusible element against said carrier body adjacent opposite sides of said aperture. e

5. An insulating switch casing, interrupted conductors in said switch casing, transversepassageways in said switch casing at the interrupted point of said conductors and giving access thereto, fuses insertable and removable to bridge the conductors normally when in inserted position, and means for holding said fuses detachably in said inserted position, said fuses comprising a fusible element, an insulating carrier body portion for said fusible element and having an aperture therethrough, a conductor plate on each side of said aperture enclosing the same, said fusible element normally connecting said conductor plates but adapted to blow under abnormal electrical conditions, and each carrier bodyhaving an end portion cooperating with the plug body to limit insertion thereinto.

6. An insulating switch casing, interrupted conductors in said switch casing, restricted transverse ducts leading through said switch casing to said conductors at the site of the interruptions thereof slidably insertable and removable fuses in said ducts normally bridging said interrupted conductors while in inserted position, and insulated finger gripproviding carrier portions at the reef ends of said fuses acccessible from the outside of said casing and having lateral shoulder stops which with said carrier'end are adapted to substantially close said ducts.

7 An insulating switch casing, interrupted conductors in said switch casing, diametrically opposed transverse passageways leading through said switch casing to said conductors, substantially flat, slidably insertable and removable transverse fuses frictionally retained in said passageways normally bridging said interrupted conductors while in in-, serted position, and insulated carriers for said fuses and providing finger grip-portions having lateral shoulder stops which with said carrier end are adapted to project outwardly of said aperture enclosing the same, said fusible element normally connecting said conductor plates but adapted to blow under abnormal electrical conditions, each carrier body havin an end portion cooperating with the plug ody to limit insertion thereinto and a portion comprising an abutment interposed between said carrier bodies to limit inward movement thereof.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set" my hand this 3rd day of June, 1929.

, JOHN CIOTTA. 

